Nvidia Claims PS4 Is Only as Good as a "Low-End" PC

[Larkin109]

The thing i'm really looking forward to out of all this is finally an end to that bloody "Plays best on NVidea!" splash tag that so many games seem to have. I moved away from Nvidea when their cards were in the 4-digit series and moved to AMD/ATi/Radeon (Call them what you will) I find them to be more stable, more easily upgraded over time with simple software updates (Bonus for consoles as well as PCs), cheaper (They don't advertise as openly) and, if you also have an AMD CPU (Currently running a Phenom II 1090T Hex) you get some very nice subtle little performance tweaks. Nvidea does have power, yes, but at quite a high cost. And don't forget, AMD also make the CPUs for the consoles, so all in all, these so-called "low end PCs" will probably be able to handle the next 5-10 years of games with no problems at all, for a fraction of the cost of a high end rig.

That being said i'm a PC gamer through and through and i think all the consoles should burn in hell. Just because i appreciate the technology level they'll be at and see how everyone else will make use of and enjoy using them, doesn't mean i have to LIKE them.

 

[Twinmill5000]

But, don't you see? My choice is the best thing ever. For me.

I mean, a gym membership might help too, and... more expensive 'healthy' food, and probably a savings account for a 401k, but, as far as what I want, PC is the best option for me. Trolling super serious console vs. PC debates probably isn't the best thing for me, though.

It sure is entertaining, however.

As for where I stand, because let's get super serious, shall we? I do believe Consoles are just shitty PCs. Here's the catch, consoles are supposed to be shitty PCs in that their firmware sucks, but their hardware is from 5 years in the future (for what they go for). That's how they work. Except, now, the major companies that supplied consoles with their power and the ability to completely fuck the customer in every other way, are pandering to their main audience more, once more, because, let's face it, Sony's a dickhead of a corporation when it comes to hardware. Nvidia's pushing towards their own vision, viewing Sony's contract as an option in their agendas.

And... great. Some people don't want to use their console for their computer stuff. Most people don't. They also don't want to spend 1100 or more every 3 years just so they can have most awesome gaming experience ever (fine, 500 for a decent one), and most people don't want to spend that sort of money on a machine that's insanely complicated and difficult to navigate if you're new to the whole thing (so the console's shitty firmware actually has some plusses).

But some people do. Some people know it's more expensive-- harder to get into, but still really want the cherry on top of their gaming. And those people are only gonna get more prominent, or their spending will at least, because enthusiasm works like that. People will still pay to have a huge, centralized computer that can run 5 games at once, on 5 seperate displays, all throughout the house. Because, PCs: where fuck cloud gaming, you can make your own cloud that's better. Those people are also in the minority and have to pay accordingly for that awesome tech.

 

[Waaghpowa]

Holy shit, some people STILL don't get it.

More powerful hardware DOES NOT JUST MEAN BETTER LOOKING GAMES. More powerful hardware means more resources. More resources can translate to things like more objects that can be rendered on screen or better physics. Both of these can greatly improve gameplay.

If it weren't for hardware advancements over the years, we'd still be playing two dimensional platformers in pixel art. Complex games like Portal, Battlefield or The Witcher would not exist. By having more powerful hardware, we open ourselves to more, newer possibilities with games.

The PS4 might end up being pretty good, but this "I don't care if the hardware isn't powerful, I just want to play fun games" some people seem to have reeks of ignorance. As of late the consoles have been dictating the general hardware requirements for a lot of games. A lot of people are upset about the PS4's relatively weak hardware set because it holds back new technology from being used because the "baseline" hardware can't handle it. So everyone is poorer for it.

Example: These videos shows a new destruction engine that wont likely be used for several years.

 

[The Comfy Chair]

Well you know how it is. We're all obsessed with 'the graffix'. Prettying up is always nice all the same though. Either way, the PS4 is going to be perfectly functional, if perhaps a bit low on processing. The HD7850 is a perfectly good card anyway, so that's not really an issue.
Also please tell me your Username -is- the Monty Python reference. Please. ;D

Lol, sorry, i found about about the Monty python reference after i started using the name. I just used to love the killing spree notifications in games like UT saying 'The comfy chair is godlike!'

But ya, the HD7850 is a decent enough card, i'd have no problem recommending it for someone playing on a PC for a few years. It's just the PS4s CPU which makes me a sad panda seeing as it's hardly 1/4 the performance of a stock i5-2500K really :<

 

[Lord_Gremlin]

And that is what we call a blatant lie. He's bitter about AMD being the chosen partner for next gen consoles so he's badmouthing PS4 like crazy.
God, this is so low.

 

[The Comfy Chair]

And that is what we call a blatant lie. He's bitter about AMD being the chosen partner for next gen consoles so he's badmouthing PS4 like crazy.
God, this is so low.

He's not lying The CPU is low end (8 core netbook CPU). The GPU isn't 'low to mid range' though. I'd say more central mid range.

 

[TotalerKrieger]

Pointing out a that a Honda Accord is not a sportscar...elitism
Pointing out that the standard US Marine is not a Navy SEAL...elitism
Pointing out that a Psych undergrad is not a psychologist...elitism

There are just as many wild claims from enthusiastic devs and Sony reps stating that the PS4 will outperform PCs. Until the bloody thing is released it is a rather unimportant discussion.

I will say that consoles generally seem to be more efficient with their hardware when running games. A console OS is far less bloated than say Windows, so more "power" can be directed to the game itself. On the other hand, the use of memory shared by both the GPU and CPU might be a counterbalance to this effect.

Regardless, the market will always dictate the speed of technological progress (unfortunately). The PS4 is a welcome development to me as a PC gamer, as I cannot wait to see what the next-gen titles have in store. If these claims by Nvidia are true, I would say that I am actually relieved as it means that I will not have to spend more money on upgrades.

 

[Jamous]

Well you know how it is. We're all obsessed with 'the graffix'. Prettying up is always nice all the same though. Either way, the PS4 is going to be perfectly functional, if perhaps a bit low on processing. The HD7850 is a perfectly good card anyway, so that's not really an issue.
Also please tell me your Username -is- the Monty Python reference. Please. ;D

Lol, sorry, i found about about the Monty python reference after i started using the name. I just used to love the killing spree notifications in games like UT saying 'The comfy chair is godlike!'

But ya, the HD7850 is a decent enough card, i'd have no problem recommending it for someone playing on a PC for a few years. It's just the PS4s CPU which makes me a sad panda seeing as it's hardly 1/4 the performance of a stock i5-2500K really :<

Heh, that's as good a reason as any for the Username. Ah well. I guess the CPU will have to do. I got myself a decent PC recently anyway so I'm not all that bothered about new consoles atm anyway. PCs just seem better to me.

 

[ImperialSunlight]

yeah, it's a total misnomer anyway. The term elitism implies some sort of exclusivity or special designation, whereas anyone is free to get a PC and join the "elite."

Of course! You know, besides that whole "money" thing.

OT: The PS3 isn't a low-end PC. It's a PS3. The point of the PS3 is to be as powerful as it can, relevant to games, while maintaining a low enough price point to sell. It's not the same thing as a PC.

 

[PoolCleaningRobot]

Who the hell cares Nvidia? The reason you buy a console is because you don't want to spend $800 building a pc. I will buy the ps4 for the fact that it will be quick and easy to set up and because I know that developers will continue to optimize games specifically for its specs. Does this guy really think people would be willing to spend more than $500 on a new console?

 

[Epona]

Microsoft does business with NVidia with the original XBOX and then drops them. Sony does business with NVidia with the PS3 and then drops them. NVidia lost the contract to make the 3DS video chip (the Tegra).

NVidia has been dropped by all three major console/handheld manufacturers, they are obviously a big part of their own problem. I know there isn't alot of money in making console parts but most people also don't buy the highest end video cards at their launch price.

 

[revjay]

In other news, fire is hot. New research points out that putting your hand on a lit burner can cause serious burns, blisters and loss of flesh. It's unsure at this point if people should avoid blankets and other sources of warmth but until more facts are uncovered try to minimize the amount of time you keep your hand in a fire.

 

[N3squ1ck]

Somebody is mad that that thing is not powered by a dual Titan.

To be honest, I would like to see the thing to pack a bit more power, but then again I am pretty happy what is possible with the current hardware already, and as it looks like the game devs would use the plus in power just for some more lensflares anyways, so w/e

 

[DaWaffledude]

Well, it's better than my computer. Granted, I got mine around 2005 or something, but still...

 

[gmaverick019_v1legacy]

Well when you start off with that statement we just know you jelly, also I love how the queens of locking down are now all happy about open platforms.

very true.

while obviously some of the stuff he says is a "no duh you dumbshit" moment, he just comes across like a butthurt child because his toy wasn't picked for show'n tell.

 

[Undomesticated Equine]

PC is slowed down by OS while on consoles can interface directly with hardware so even weaker GPU on console should match the performance of decent gaming rig. Which should enable next gen console to run some sweet looking games and they have now huge and fast memory so multiplatform games should not be hampered by low memory on consoles. Also most of the current gen games look great even on low spec pcs

 

[DonTsetsi]

Sadly, every console has at least one major underpowered component, if it didn't, consoles wouldn't be cheaper than other PCs. Last generation had horrible RAM, which turned most console games into corridors, next generation will have horrible CPUs, which will continue stifling gameplay advances. I wonder if there will ever be a console with a horrible GPU. A cheap console that will give more freedom to developers.

 

[Callate]

On one hand, he's probably technically correct.

On the other, there's a lot to be said for a dedicated group of programmers working towards a single technical specification with a top resolution of 1080p. There's something to be said for being very good at reaching your fullest potential versus having greater potential you never really use.

 

[Mister Linton]

Somebody doesn't understand the concept of writing to the metal, or unified specifications. Also, mass market appeal and adoption means games will be made with console specs in mind for the forseeable future. Sure developers could make a thirty million dollar game that only runs on the most advanced hardware created-- but it won't be economically feasable for quite a few years, and by then the PC elitist will have moved on to buy even more powerful (and expensive) cards that nobody makes games for yet. The cycle of suckers continues...

 

[The Comfy Chair]

On one hand, he's probably technically correct.

On the other, there's a lot to be said for a dedicated group of programmers working towards a single technical specification with a top resolution of 1080p. There's something to be said for being very good at reaching your fullest potential versus having greater potential you never really use.

Aye, although as mentioned previously, consoles don't perform much better (talking 10-15%) than their PC component counterparts (e.g. a 2.5GHz C2D and a 8600GT). That's mainly because of the move to third party engines like unreal engine and cryengine as opposed to a lot of propriety engines in the PS2 era.

So, as much as it's brought up all the time, optimization on console really doesn't account for much it seems. Yes, there's an overhead with the windows OS (which is pretty much negated by vastly more powerful PC CPUs) and directX, but it's surprisingly little overall. The way it's described, you'd think a 360 could hang with a 8800GTX or something.

Overall, pretty much all work done with console optimization transfers across to PC. It's one of the reasons PC gamers haven't had to updates cards for console-like settings and games for years and years. Very highest settings? Sure, but that's a whole different ballpark.